Mr Schwartz

The Arctic Monkeys' song 'Mr. Schwartz' seems to weave a narrative around a character who is part of a film or theater crew, possibly a director or an important figure behind the scenes. The lyrics suggest a setting where the preparation for a performance or a shoot is taking place, with references to a 'velveteen suit' and 'dancin' shoes,' which evoke a sense of old-school showbiz glamour. The mention of 'lint-rollin'' and 'smudgin' dubbin'' on shoes paints a picture of meticulous attention to appearance, hinting at the importance of image in the entertainment industry.

The song's chorus, 'Mr. Schwartz is stayin' strong for the crew,' implies that Mr. Schwartz is a pillar of support for the people he works with, someone who is reliable and perhaps carries the weight of the production on his shoulders. The lyrics also touch on the theme of uncertainty and the lack of direction ('neither you or I has ever had a clue'), which could reflect the unpredictable nature of the creative process or the chaotic environment of a production set.

The latter part of the song introduces a sense of tension with 'The gloved hand's reachin' in to hit the switch,' suggesting an abrupt change or an end that is out of the characters' control. This could be a metaphor for the external forces that impact the entertainment industry, such as audience reception, critics, or even the passage of time. Overall, 'Mr. Schwartz' seems to be a tribute to the unsung heroes of the creative world, acknowledging the hard work and resilience of those who work behind the scenes.